In Jerry Leiber's statement, he draws a parallel between the singing styles of cantors or hazans, who are religious singers in Jewish tradition, and Ray Charles, an iconic American musician known for his soulful voice. Essentially, he suggests that when listening to a skilled hazan, one can detect elements reminiscent of Ray Charles’s unique musical style.
The deeper meaning of Leiber's comment lies in the universality of emotional expression through music. By comparing cantorial singing with secular music performed by Ray Charles, Leiber highlights how different cultural and religious traditions share common ground in their ability to evoke profound emotions in listeners. This connection underscores the idea that regardless of the specific context or background, great singers have a way of transcending boundaries and touching people on an emotional level.
Jerry Leiber was an American lyricist and music producer best known for his work as part of the songwriting duo Lieber and Stoller during the 1950s through the 1970s. His insights often blend musical expertise with cultural observations, making statements like this one both insightful and reflective of his broad understanding of music's role in society.
